One of my favorite holidays has always been Valentine's Day. Whether single or in a relationship, it's almost as invigorating to walk in stores and see all the giant bears and balloons and red and white as it is to walk in stores during Christmas time. I also just love gifts so Valentine's day ranks with my birthday! The primary reason I have grown to love Valentine's day is because I love a scheduled day to remind people that you love and care for them. Even though we should do this year round, the reality is sometimes we can get so caught up in life that we just don't.
Even if you do not have a mate to dote on, Valentine's day can also be great if you are single! Just because you are not attached at the hip that does not mean you do not deserve to be loved on and the best person to love on you is, well, you. Here are some wonderful ways I love to spend my single Valentine's day holidays.
1. That money that you would spend on a significant other...spend on you!!! In relationships, I tend to go all out for whoever I am with. The joy of being single is you do not have to spend all your money on someone else for them to get you a box of that cheap bad candy and then have to pretend you like it. You can take your splurge money and buy something you would not typically buy yourself! You can even feign surprise!
2. Treat yourself to a movie! You can actually sit where you want! We all know 50 Shades will be sold out, but I guarantee I will find a seat! It is so much easier to accommodate one person than two people!
3. Spa Date! Just because you deserve to be pampered and doted on.
4. Netflix and Chill! Like really chill. In some super comfortable hole-y flannel pajamas. With a glass of wine. Or a bottle... And a face mask. And an edible arrangement basket. Or just a huge box of cookies. Whatever your guilty pleasure, indulge and don't feel guilty!
5. Read a self help book to help prepare you for your future relationship. Some of my personal favorites include Demetria Lucas's A Belle in Brooklyn and Sarah Jakes Roberts's Don't Settle For Safe.
6. Have a single's event! Meet up with some fellow single friends and get super dressed up for cocktails.
7. Take someone you love on a date. This year I am definitely treating myself to 50 Shades of Grey; however, I will also more than likely schedule a nice date with my mom and my son. I would like to get in the habit of being his Valentine. I also think another reason I love the holiday is because my dad was always mine and would (and still) do nice things for me. I never felt like I had to have an actual partner to celebrate.
8. Make someone's day who experienced loss this year. Maybe someone's life partner died or someone got a divorce. We all know someone who is experiencing some sort of hardship. Send a flower arrangement or even drop by to say, "Hi"! Uplifting others often times gives a greater joy than anything money can buy.
9. Get a mani pedi at a nail bar that serves wine! I guess I just love wine?
10. Indulge in your hobby. Be intentional about spending your day doing things that you love to do that you rarely have time to do.
Relationships are great and all, but nothing beats spending time cultivating and loving yourself. Not having a mate on Valentine's day is not necessarily a bad thing. It can be a good thing as it is time for you to do things you love without feeling guilty.
